WEIGHT-LIFTING THERAPY - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Research suggests that exercise has beneficial effects on the psychological well-being of individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Most studies on exercise and mental health have focused on aerobic exercise with moderately psychiatrically disturbed individuals. This study examined the effects of anaerobic exercise (weight lifting) on the psychological well-being of individuals with serious psychiatric disabilities. Five female clients in a psychosocial rehabilitation program participated in weight lifting classes for eight weeks. All reported improvement in physical and psychological well-being. Clients demonstrated significant improvement in objective measures of strength and endurance.